Pollen

The primary culprits of pollen allergies are the plants that are wind pollinated. All of the trees and shrubs that cause spring allergy are wind-pollinated. Their flowers have been stripped down to the bare minimum and are often grouped together in long dangling structures (anthers) that expose the pollen grains to the wind. During pollination, the wind blows pollen off the anthers and carries it for various distances to land on some surfaces like soil, lakes, nose and eyes of humans.

Can you see a pollen grain?

Masses of pollen are visible to the naked eye on the end of a stamen of a tulip or other flowers. But the naked eye cannot distinguish an individual pollen grain; it is far too small.

How many pollen grains float through the air?

A typical tree will produce and release to the air roughly 2,000,000,000 pollen grains per season.

How long is the flowering season?

Trees flower in the springtime when temperature is increasing. For each type of tree, the flowering period is defined by specific conditions, which usually occur at approximately the same time each year, lasting roughly 2 weeks and the peak pollinating period (time when there are the maximum concentration of pollen in the air) lasting only a few days.

As a further complication, pollen concentrations in any flowering period vary on a daily basis in response to the various weather conditions. Pollen release is favourable on warm, dry, windy days whereas rain washes the air clean of pollen. Due to the biology of the plants, pollination usually occurs in the morning. Pollen concentrations are typically lowest at roughly 6 am increasing to the peak at 12 noon and decreasing through the afternoon and evening. See our Pollen Calendar for specific high risk times for different species of trees, grasses and weeds.

So what is it about pollen grains that make them allergenic?

When pollen grains are breathed into the nasal passages or contact the membranes of the eye, they release these proteins to the mucous membranes. This exposes the proteins to the immune system in the blood vessels of the mucous membranes. The immune system is designed to rid the body of “foreign” proteins, and this usually occurs on a daily basis without any notice at all. However, for some people, for reasons that are still undiscovered, the immune system does not discard some of these pollen proteins through the usual route, but instead produces a special class of antibodies, IgE antibodies. The IgE antibodies bind to specialised cells called mast cells and upon contact with the pollen protein, signal the mast cell to release its contents. One of the chemicals released in this process is histamine, which is responsible for producing the symptoms of allergy, e.g. swelling, redness, itchiness and secretion of mucous. All of these symptoms can occur when the immune system recognises one or more of these pollen proteins and produces IgE antibody to it. Some proteins are more likely to become allergenic than others, and some pollen types carry proteins that are more allergenic.

Pollen Avoidance

Allergen avoidance is difficult for people with allergy to substances in the air, such as pollen. For example, tiny pollen spores are windborne and travel for miles on air currents.

How to avoid exposure to pollen grains

Monitor pollen forecasts daily and stay indoors wherever possible when the count is high (generally on warmer, dry days). Rain washes pollen from the air so counts should be lower on cooler, wet days

Apply an effective pollen barrier around the edge of each nostril to trap or block pollens and help prevent a reaction. Pollen Barriers are available as balms or gel nasal sprays and some people have found petroleum jelly can help

If you go out, shower and wash your hair on return, and change your clothing before coming back into the living room or bedroom

Keep windows closed when indoors. This is most important in the early mornings, when pollen is being released, and in the evening when the air cools and pollens that have been carried up into the air begin to fall to ground level again

If you suffer symptoms indoors, a good air filter should help. Choose one that is proven to trap even small particles.

Avoid mowing lawns or raking leaves. If you must perform these tasks, use a filtration face mask

Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen allergens out of your eyes

Avoid drying washing on a clothes-line outside when pollen counts are high

Pollen counts tend to be high along roads with grass verges. Keep car windows closed and keep the air intake on ‘re-circulate’ when driving. Choose a car that is fitted with an effective pollen filter, or get an in-car air filter

Don’t let pets get close to your face as they can carry pollen in their fur. Wipe pets’ coats with a damp microfiber cloth to remove pollens when they have been out for a walk

Preventive Strategies

If you buy trees for your yard, look for species that do not aggravate allergies.

Avoid the outdoors between 5-10 AM. Save outside activities for late afternoon or after a heavy rain, when pollen levels are lower.

Keep windows in your home and car closed to lower exposure to pollen. To keep cool, use air conditioners and avoid using window and attic fans.

Be aware that pollen can also be transported indoors on people and pets.

Dry your clothes in an automatic dryer rather than hanging them outside. Otherwise pollen can collect on

Disclaimer : The information given in the website is for awareness purpose only. Patients are strictly advised not to self medicate by using the information regarding drugs mentioned in the website www.asthmallergyclinic.in . Self medication is dangerous & can even be fatal in extreme cases. Also due to latest research worldwide in Medical field, the information in the website, may not be updated in real time. Patients are advised to seek advice from an Allergist / Allergy specialist for the correct diagnosis & treatment.